Which place is cheaper, Rome or Vang Vieng?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Vang Vieng or Rome?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Rome? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Vang Vieng or Rome?
Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is a town in the Vientiane province of Laos that sits along the banks of the Nam Song River. With its beautifully carved karst topography cliffs towering over the winding river, the area has become very tourist-oriented for those seeking to explore the outdoor wonders. People from all over come to engage in the unique landscape-mountain biking, trekking, kayaking, caving, swimming, and rock climbing, amongst others.
Rome
Rome is the kind of city that refuses to stay in the past, even though history is everywhere you look. Ancient ruins rise beside buzzing cafes, scooters zip past Renaissance palaces, and quiet cobblestone lanes suddenly open onto grand piazzas filled with fountains, churches, and street performers. It is a city of layers: the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica, neighborhood trattorias, stylish boutiques, and late-night gelato walks all woven together into one unforgettable experience. Whether you come for the art, the food, the history, or the simple pleasure of wandering without a plan, Rome has a way of making every day feel like a discovery.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Laos, The Best Budget Tours to Laos, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.
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Vang Vieng Prices
Laos PricesRome Prices
Italy Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVang Vieng $18Rome $236
The average daily cost (per person) in Vang Vieng is $18, while the average daily cost in Rome is $236. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Vang Vieng and Rome in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVang Vieng $4.11Rome $103
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVang Vieng $8.22Rome $206
Compare Hotels in Vang Vieng and Rome
Looking for a hotel in Vang Vieng or Rome? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Vang Vieng Hotel Prices and Rome Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vang Vieng $3.01Rome $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vang Vieng
Also for Vang Vieng, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared transfer from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang city: $20
- Vang Vieng Private Transfer: Hotel - Railway Station - Vientiane: $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rome
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:
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Metro Ride (for Two)$2.28
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Train to the Airport$17
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Taxi to Airport$51
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Bicycle Rental (Full Day)$11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:
- Private Transfer from and to Civitavecchia from Rome City Center: $297
- Private Transfer With Driver Rome: $297
- Transfer from Rome Hotel to Civitavecchia Cruise Port and vice versa: $286
- Four Papal Basilicas Small Group Guided Tour with Transfer: $286
- Private transfer from Rome to S. Felice Circeo, Sabaudia or Terracina: $286
- Transfer from Rome FIUMICINO AIRPORT to Civitavecchia Cruise Port: $286
- Transfer from Fiumicino/Ciampino/Rome to Civitavecchia Port: $285
- Private Express Tour of Roman Catacombs with Transfer: $285
- Private transfer from Roma to Civitavecchia port: $285
- Transfers from Civitavecchia to Fiumicino/Rome: $280
- Private Transfer Civitavecchia Port to/from Rome City & Airport: $275
- Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to Chianciano - Arrival Private Transfer: $269
Is it cheaper to fly into Vang Vieng or Rome?
Prices for flights to both Rome and Vang Vieng change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayVang Vieng $10Rome $95
Typical Food Prices in Rome
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rome:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$16
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4 Ice Cream Sandwiches$3.40
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Cafe e doce$4.55
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Pizza (Fast Food)$3.02
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Sitdown Lunch (for Two)$36
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Cheese and bread$11
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Espresso$2.28
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Dinner$66
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rome.
- Pizzas and Piazzas: A Self-Guided Walk of Rome’s Culinary Culture: $20
- Rome Cooking: TRASTEVERE Pasta & Tiramisu Making with Fine Wine: $38
- Rome Food Tour for Breakfast Lovers: $40
- Rome Pasta & Tiramisu Making Class & Fine Wine by Cooking Italy: $40
- Rome Pizza & Gelato Class with Wine by Cooking Italy: $40
- Rome Early Morning Breakfast and Sightseeing Food Tour: $45
- Authentic Pasta and Tiramisù cooking class at spanish steps: $45
- Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Prosecco in Rome: $45
- Rome Testaccio Market Food Tour - Eat Like a Local: $45
- Rome Pizza Making Class for Families in Trastevere: $45
- Milan Street Food Tour and City Guided Sightseeing: $45
- Authentic Gnocchi Cooking Class in Rome - Piazza Navona: $46
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vang Vieng $4.61Rome $41
Tours and Activities in Vang Vieng
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Vang Vieng.
- Nam Song River Kayak Tour: $18
- Tham Nangfar and Tham Nam Day Tour with Kayaking: $24
- Vang Vieng Nam Xay Top View, Blue Lagoon and Cave Tour: $29
- Get Your Laos–China Train Ticket Fast – No Waiting, No Worries: $30
- Vang Vieng Jung Cave, Blue Lagoon 2 and 3 Guided Tour: $36
- Blue Lagoon and Countryside Bike Tour with Lunch: $38
- One Day Guided Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave from Vang Vieng: $50
- Vang Vieng Zipline & Kayaking Cave Adventure: $50
- Kayaking&Zipline&Cave Tubing&cave tour: $51
- Vang Vieng Day Tour: Zipline, Water Cave, Kayak & Blue Lagoon 3: $52
- Vang Vieng Tour B - Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour: $55
- Laos: Jungle Zipline and Caving Tour: $58
Typical Entertainment Prices in Rome
Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)$79
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Coliseum Tickets (for Two)$38
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Roma Pass$34
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Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)$23
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Segway Tour$85
Tours and Activities in Rome
Here are a few actual costs in Rome for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- " Private pantheon tour: Explore Rome's Divine masterpiece": $102
- 1 Day Rome Tour from Civitavecchia for Cruise Passengers: $88
- 1 Hour Pantheon Tour: A Time Travel Experience in Rome + Ebook: $109
- 1.5 Hour Electric Golf Cart Rome highlights Tour: $20
- 10 kilometer Running Experience in Rome: $80
- 2-Hour Private Shopping Tour in Rome with Personal Stylist - Personal Shopper: $114
- 3 Hour Instagram Private Tour in Rome with Pickup: $172
- 3 Hours Rome Evening Walking Tour - Piazzas and Monuments: $40
- 3 hour Rome Highlights and Hidden Corners Walking Tour: $74
- 3-Hour Private Tour of Rome with Golf Cart: $172
- 3-Hour Private Tour of Rome with Pickup: $286
- 3-Hour Roman Highlights Private Guided Tour in an Executive Car: $217
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVang Vieng $1.08Rome $21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Rome
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rome:
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Bottle of Wine$7.40
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Pint of Beer$7.22
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Beer$11
Sample the Local Flavors in Rome
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rome:
- Rome Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $22
- Discover Frascati Wine Tasting with a Sommelier and Snacks: $27
- Unique Wine Tasting in Enoteca in Rome San Pietro Area: $32
- Pasta Making -Premium Wine Tasting & Hidden Cellar- Roman Castles: $33
- Cabaret and Burlesque Show at Rome: $34
- Rome's Ultimate Party aka the Spanish Steps Pub Crawl: $39
- Wine Tasting in Trastevere with Food and Gelato: $48
- Rome Premium Wine Tasting: 3, 4, 5 or 6 Wines with Expert Guide: $51
- Experience Rome Exclusive Wine Tasting in City Center: $55
- Dolce Vita Burlesque show: $57
- Wine Tasting and Food Pairing in Underground Cellar in Rome: $62
- Rome Nightlife Party Tour Monti Bar Crawl and Local Drinks: $65
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vang Vieng and Rome, we can see that Rome is more expensive. And not only is Vang Vieng much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Vang Vieng is in Asia and Rome is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Vang Vieng would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vang Vieng and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Rome would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rome than you might in Vang Vieng.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Vang Vieng Expensive? and Is Rome Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vang Vieng or Rome?
Rome has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Vang Vieng. When comparing the sizes of Vang Vieng and Rome, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Vang Vieng or Rome?
Rome has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Vang Vieng experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Rome in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Vang Vieng as well as Rome. Vang Vieng attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Rome for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Vang Vieng is cooler than Rome in the summer. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Rome fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rome. In the summer, Vang Vieng often gets less sunshine than Rome. Vang Vieng gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng usually gets more rain in July than Rome. Vang Vieng gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVang Vieng 22°C (72°F)Rome 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Rome in the Autumn?
Both Rome and Vang Vieng are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vang Vieng throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Rome because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Vang Vieng is a little warmer than Rome. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vang Vieng in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Rome averages at about 17°C (63°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Rome during autumn. Vang Vieng gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Vang Vieng usually receives less rain than Rome. Vang Vieng gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Rome 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Rome in the Winter?
Both Rome and Vang Vieng during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vang Vieng because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rome this time of year.
In January, Vang Vieng is generally much warmer than Rome. Daily temperatures in Vang Vieng average around 24°C (75°F), and Rome fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
It's quite sunny in Vang Vieng. In the winter, Vang Vieng often gets more sunshine than Rome. Vang Vieng gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun.
Vang Vieng usually gets less rain in January than Rome. Vang Vieng gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVang Vieng 24°C (75°F)Rome 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Vang Vieng or Rome in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vang Vieng and Rome. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vang Vieng year-round. Also, many travelers come to Rome for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Vang Vieng is much warmer than Rome in the spring. The daily temperature in Vang Vieng averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Rome fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rome this time of the year. In Vang Vieng, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vang Vieng usually receives more sunshine than Rome during spring. Vang Vieng gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.
Vang Vieng gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Vang Vieng usually receives more rain than Rome. Vang Vieng gets 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVang Vieng 23°C (73°F)Rome 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Rome and Vang Vieng
| Vang Vieng | Rome | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 42 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.